According to a recent report by Bild (subscription required), Red Bull Leipzig striker Timo Werner is ready to decline the opportunity to join Bayern Munich as he prefers to move to Liverpool this summer (translated by The Daily Star). The same source has also mentioned that the German centre-forward is eager to work with Jurgen Klopp, who is also a big admirer of the player. However, it is believed that the Reds could still face competition from Barcelona and Chelsea in pursuit of the Bundesliga hotshot in this off-season (via Bild).
Werner’s Brilliant Goal-Scoring Record At The Red Bull Arena
Werner has garnered a lot of praise for his splendid goal-scoring performances as the focal point of the Leipzig attack over the past few campaigns. He has enjoyed another outstanding season in the German first division after finding the back of the net 27 times while providing 12 assists in 36 appearances for the German outfit this term on all fronts.
His incredible contributions have enhanced his reputation in European football as it showcases just how lethal he can be while spearheading the attack down the middle. Hence, it is not a surprise that so many top teams including the Reds are being linked with the former Stuttgart youngster before the transfer window reopens later this year (via The Daily Star).
The 24-year-old has been a dominant striker in Germany for quite a few years now and has continued to impress this season as well after averaging 3.8 shots, 1.4 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game in league football (stats via whoscored). Werner has also been a positive influence as part of the German national team, registering 11 goals in 29 international fixtures for his homeland thus far. He will once again be Joachim Low’s best hope for goals when the UEFA European Championship finals kick-off at the end of next season.
What Will The German Speedster Bring To Merseyside?
Werner has already achieved so much in German football that his name might potentially be etched in the history books as one of his country’s top goal-scorers, especially if he can maintain his high standards for both club and country in the years to come. He can use his speed and agility to make some dangerous runs in behind the opposition backline. The German loves to beat the off-side trap, which makes him a constant threat for the opposition defenders on the break. The Stuttgart-born frontman has also shown good football intelligence in recent seasons that allows him to get into some promising positions in the final third. Plus, he tends to keep his strikes on-target and has successfully transformed himself into an unforgiving finisher in front of goal.
What makes him such a valuable asset in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad is his incredible versatility to assume different roles across the frontline. He usually likes to play as a centre-forward but is also capable of assuming the role of a left-sided wide player if needed. Werner has the potential to be a part of the new ‘Fab Four’ at Merseyside which a lot of Liverpool fans have been craving for, since the high-profile exit of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona at the beginning of 2018.
Why The Reds Need To Add Werner To Their Squad This Summer
However, there are some question marks over his ability to cope with the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football if Klopp can manage to bring him to Anfield this summer. He has all the attributes to be a success story under the expert stewardship of the Reds head coach. However, Werner won’t be guaranteed regular playing time as Roberto Firmino remains Liverpool’s primary striker after the Brazilian has led his team to success in the UEFA Champions League last season along with triumphs in the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup this term.
Klopp will have the option to change his preferred 4-3-3 formation to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 set-up if he recruits Werner before the start of the new season. Furthermore, the German striker will not only bring loads of goals to Anfield but also increase competition for the likes of Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Divock Origi in the upcoming campaign. Therefore, all signs point towards it being a necessity for Klopp to land Werner during the summer transfer period.
